New Year Powder Check: Which U.S. Ski Resorts Are Finally Getting Snow?

So far, it’s been a disappointing snow season for much of the U.S. While eastern resorts have done slightly better than the West, most skiers and snowboarders are still waiting for things to really turn on. With New Year storms on the horizon, now feels like a good time to check in on who’s winning, who’s struggling, and where conditions are finally starting to improve.

Let’s take a look at how resorts across the country are shaping up right now.

Washington State: The Place to Be Right Now

If you’re looking for fresh powder, heading northwest might be your best bet. Washington resorts have seen consistent snowfall and more is on the way.

Crystal Mountain has a base ranging from 29 to 59 inches and recently picked up around 15 inches of fresh snow, with another 11 inches in the forecast. Most of the mountain is already spinning, with 8 of 11 lifts open.

Mt. Baker continues to live up to its reputation. With a base between 70 and 124 inches, they’ve just received about 20 inches of snow and are expecting another 20 inches soon. While only 7 of 10 lifts are currently open, that number is almost guaranteed to increase if the forecast delivers.

At The Summit at Snoqualmie, conditions have improved quickly. The base sits around 47 inches after roughly 21 inches of recent snowfall, with a few more inches expected. About two-thirds of the lifts are open, making it a solid option for local riders.

Utah: Slowly Turning the Corner

After a rough start, Utah resorts are finally seeing some momentum, and they’re hoping this stretch of snow signals a turnaround.

Deer Valley currently has a 39-inch base and has picked up about 7 inches over the past few days, with more snow expected soon. Just over two-thirds of the lifts are running, giving skiers decent access across the mountain.

Alta, known for legendary powder days, has the strongest base in the state right now at around 70 inches. Recent snowfall has been modest, and while it hasn’t been the big dumpers Alta is famous for, there’s optimism that deeper storms are coming. Roughly half of the lifts are open.

Both Solitude and Brighton have had solid weeks. With bases in the mid-60-inch range and close to a foot of new snow recently, conditions are noticeably improving. With more snow in the forecast, these resorts are starting to feel more like themselves.

Colorado: Still Waiting for Winter

Colorado has been one of the biggest letdowns so far, with snowfall hovering around 38 percent of normal for this time of year. Despite that, most resorts are open and doing what they can with what they have.

Wolf Creek stands out as the exception. Nearly all lifts are running, most terrain is open, and more snow is expected soon. For now, it’s the safest bet in the state.

Breckenridge is struggling, with a thin base and only about a quarter of the mountain open. While snow is in the forecast, it’s going to take time before conditions feel fully dialed.

Crested Butte is doing slightly better than many Summit County resorts, with about 40 percent of the mountain open. Steamboat is hanging in there as well, with decent lift access and some fresh snow on the way that could make a noticeable difference.

Wyoming: Holding Steady

Compared to Colorado, Wyoming is in a better position, and more snow could push conditions into a great place.

Jackson Hole is one of the few western resorts with every lift open right now. With a wide-ranging base and fresh snow either recently fallen or forecasted, it’s delivering some of the most reliable riding in the region.

Grand Targhee has built a solid base and is hoping the forecasted snowfall comes through. While not all lifts are open yet, conditions are trending in the right direction.

California: Better Than Some, Worse Than Others

California’s snowpack sits at just over half of normal, which puts it ahead of Colorado but behind its usual pace.

Mammoth Mountain has a respectable base and nearly all lifts spinning, though snowfall has slowed recently. Palisades Tahoe has benefited from some solid storms and is offering good coverage, even if the immediate forecast is light.

Sugar Bowl is in decent shape, with most of the mountain open and enough base to enjoy quality turns. Heavenly is also in a relatively strong position, with almost all terrain open and more snow on the way.

Final Take

Right now, Washington is winning, Wyoming is solid, Utah is improving, and Colorado is still waiting for winter to show up. If the New Year storms deliver, this entire picture could change quickly — but for now, that’s where things stand!

Sources: OnTheSnow and resort websites